FOR the first of our pre-season fan panel Q&A's, we asked for the thoughts of Matt Roller, a 19-year-old Somerset supporter who contributes to numerous sporting websites - follow him on Twitter here.

What shape do you think Somerset are in ahead of the new season – are you optimistic?

I'm fairly confident about the County Championship campaign after last year's success, and think that the right noises have been coming out of the club over the winter. Dean Elgar and Steven Davies represent two excellent signings, and most of the bowling attack has done well overseas with the England Lions set-up. If Jack Leach can perform anything like he did last season—and he bowled with control for the MCC against Middlesex—it should be a good season.

As for white-ball cricket, I am much less confident. Our 50-over success last year will be tough to replicate and the Twenty20 side, which has struggled so much since Craig Kieswetter's enforced retirement, still looks short on quality. 

The appointment of Tom Abell as captain - the right move?

Abell seems to have a good cricketing brain, and has a strong presence within the squad. There weren't many outstanding candidates—Peter Trego was the only other real option—and this could be a great move in the long run. However, a lot relies on his batting form. If Abell starts the season poorly then Johann Myburgh could put pressure on his spot in the side, and it is very important that our new skipper makes a big score in the first three rounds of fixtures.

What are your thoughts on Somerset’s new signings?

Steven Davies is a fantastic batsman, and as good a gloveman as we have had in the past decade. He should strengthen the side in all three formats, and the possibility of having a top-order batsman keep wicket gives us a bit more flexibility with team selection.

Assuming he remains available for the full season, Dean Elgar will prove to be a great overseas signing. He has been an understated but consistent performer for South Africa, and should make big runs for Somerset. The signing does show the Championship-focused approach that Matt Maynard and the staff have taken, but the majority of members would prefer to break the Championship duck to one-day success.

Are there any areas of the side you feel should have been strengthened further?

The four-day team looks as strong as it has been for a long time, and the squad is certainly deeper than it has been since Brian Rose left: the first Championship team will probably see Roelof van der Merwe and Jamie Overton left out, who would walk into most counties' first-choice XIs. 

In one-day cricket, we could do with a number five batsman. Adam Hose and Michael Leask may get runs in the white-ball sides but, while they are both decent batsmen, they aren't the sort of players you would find in a trophy-winning team. If there is any budget left for a second overseas player in the Blast campaign, that is where it must be spent.

Which young player(s) do you think can break through and play a part this season?

George Bartlett's name has been mentioned a lot this winter, but this season will probably be too soon for him to make an impact for the first team. If the pitches at Taunton continue to turn this season, Dom Bess will have the opportunity to kick on from a strong start to his Somerset career.

Who would be in your XI for the first match of the season against Essex?

The team pretty much picks itself, with only two positions—the all-rounder slot and the third seamer—up for speculation. I expect there'll be some grass on the pitch, so Allenby and Groenewald's swing will be more useful than van der Merwe's spin or Jamie Overton's raw pace.

So, my side would be: Marcus Trescothick, Dean Elgar, Tom Abell, James Hildreth, Steve Davies, Peter Trego, Jim Allenby, Lewis Gregory, Craig Overton, Tim Groenewald, Jack Leach. 

Predictions:

Where will Somerset finish in the County Championship?

I expect us to push for the title but fall a fair way short of an excellent Middlesex team: 2nd.

Which team will win the County Championship?

Middlesex will cruise it. 

Which player will score the most Championship runs for Somerset?

James Hildreth

Which player will score the most Championship runs overall?

Nick Gubbins (Middlesex)

Which player will take the most Championship wickets for Somerset?

Craig Overton

Which player will take the most Championship wickets overall?

Kyle Abbott (Hampshire)

Thanks to Matt for his time, and look out for the next fan panel contribution tomorrow morning - if you want to get involved, comment below or tweet us @CountyGazSport.

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